This week is a bit of a limbo for Bay Area concerts, since pretty much everyone is at SXSW. But there are still a few awesome shows, and things kick into high gear toward the end of the week. And from there, they just keep getting cooler the closer we get to our annual Coachella cash-in. Huzzah!
Wednesday, March 17
Gil Scott-Heron at Yoshi’s San Francisco, 8pm
The revolution will not be televised — and neither will tonight’s concert by the jazz-funk legend, touring behind his hugely well-received new album, I’m New Here. So you’d better see it in person.
Gomez with Buddy at Great American Music Hall, 9pm
The first in a three-night stint from the revered British rockers. Friday’s show is already sold out, so get your tickets fast.
Thursday, March 18
Groove Armada with Lilofee at The Fillmore, 8pm
The veteran dance act kicks off its North American tour with a two-night gig at The Fillmore. Anyone requesting the Sex and the City theme will be removed by force.
Gomez with One EskimO at Great American Music Hall, 9pm
Second night! Different opening act!
Friday, March 19
Voodoo Glow Skulls with Hub City Stompers and Compton SF at Bottom of the Hill, 10pm
I saw Voodoo Glow Skulls on a really awkward teenage date at some total dive in Pittsburgh in, like, 1996. I was under the impression my date was gay. He wasn’t. Oops! Anyway, it’s 14 years later and these guys are still at, so take your sexually ambiguous date down to Bottom of the Hill this Friday for a good old-fashioned ska show.
Stacey Earle & Mark Stuart at Freight & Salvage, 8pm
Stacey started out as a backup singer for her brother, alt-country legend Steve Earle. Now she tours and records with Mark, her husband. Maybe if we ask nicely, she’ll record a duets album with her sister-in-law, Allison Moorer.
Gomez with The Little Ones at Great American Music Hall, 9pm
Final night!
Groove Armada at The Fillmore, 9pm
Second night!
Saturday, March 20
Xiu Xiu and tUnE-yArDs with Noveller at Bottom of the Hill, 10pm
It’s only $12. Come on.
Rosin Coven with George Cole Quintet and Kim Boekbinder of Vermillion Lies at Café Du Nord, 9pm
Rosin Coven describe themselves as “the World’s Premiere Pagan Lounge Ensemble.” Come on!
Old-Time Southern Murder Hour with Pine Box Boys at Slim’s, 8:30pm
COME ON!!!
Sunday, March 21
Janelle Monáe at Café Du Nord, 8pm
This is one of those shows you should just really try seeing. Janelle Monáe is a futuristic hip-hop star on the verge of major stardom. Her full-length debut album, The Archandroid, is due in May, so this will probably be your last chance to see her in such an intimate venue.
Rubies with General Elektriks and Jel at Bottom of the Hill, 8:30pm
“Danceable folk, homemade disco, and lost love laments.” Swoon! Their debut album, Explode From The Center, features assistance from the likes of Feist and members of Kings of Convenience and The Concretes.
Monday, March 22
Janelle Monáe at Café Du Nord, 8pm
Second night!
Jake Shimabukuro at Yoshi’s San Francisco, 8pm and 10pm
Jake Shimabukuro (she-ma-BOO-koo-row) is recognized as one of the world’s most exciting and innovative ukulele (oo-koo-LAY-lay) players and composers. He’s got an album of Beatles covers on the way (featuring vocals by Cyndi Lauper), and also composed the music for the Japanese version of the film Sideways (?). I might go just to ask him more about that.
Tuesday, March 23; a.k.a. Concert Clusterfuck
Devendra Banhart and the Grogs with Dorothy and the Originals at The Warfield, 8pm
Eliane Elias at Yoshi’s San Francisco, 8pm
Jamie Cullum with Imelda May at The Fillmore, 8pm
Jason Collett with Bahamas and Zeus at Café Du Nord, 8:30pm
Maude Maggart at The Rrazz Room at Hotel Nikko, 8pm
Fiona Apple’s cabaret-singer sister!
Serena Maneesh with The Depreciation Guild and Veil Veil Vanish at Bottom of the Hill, 9pm
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists with Sally Crewe and the Sudden Moves at Great American Music Hall, 9pm
